Side Story 1: A Date Under the Stars

After completing his latest task from the system, Ethan is finally enjoying a break from the chaotic rise to stardom. One night, he finds himself invited to a lavish industry gala, where the stars of this world gather to celebrate their latest projects. Among them is Amelia, a rising actress who has always kept a low profile, though her quiet demeanor hides a fierce ambition.

Throughout the evening, Ethan can't help but notice her from across the room. There's something about her that draws his attention—perhaps it's the contrast between her calm exterior and the intensity in her eyes. To his surprise, she approaches him, inviting him for a quiet walk away from the crowd.

As they leave the gala behind, the cityscape sparkles below them, but the conversation turns unexpectedly personal. Ethan finds himself opening up about his insecurities, about how overwhelming his rapid rise has been, and Amelia listens attentively, her own story of struggle in the background.

The quiet park they wander into is almost surreal, illuminated by soft lanterns and the glow of distant stars. The evening air grows still, and when Amelia gently asks him what he wants most out of all of this fame, Ethan's answer surprises even him: "I just want someone who understands."

Amelia smiles, and in that moment, there's an unspoken connection between them. The world feels distant, as if it's just the two of them under the stars. Ethan feels a warmth he hasn't felt since arriving in this world—something deeper than ambition or fame.

As the night deepens, they find themselves sitting on a park bench, closer than they've ever been, their shoulders brushing. Silence stretches between them, not awkward, but comforting. Before they part ways, Amelia softly says, "You're not alone in this, Ethan."

The walk back to the gala feels different. Neither of them wants to return to the world of cameras and spotlights, but reality beckons. Yet, something has changed between them, and Ethan knows that this is only the beginning of a deeper connection—one that he never anticipated finding in this new world.

The romance is subtle, but undeniable. A budding relationship that will grow as they continue to navigate their respective journeys to stardom, and perhaps, in the end, they'll find that fame isn't what they were searching for after all.